Before I could react, I heard the Queen Mother speak.
"Alright. That's settled."
Just like that, everyone began to disperse. I didn't wait. I walked straight toward Nysera and grabbed her arm.
"Wait. Nysera… why did you accept it? You know it's dangerous out there. You should just stay here."
A short silence. Then she looked at me, annoyed. She clicked her tongue and pulled her arm away.
"As if I don't know that."
Her expression shifted, brows tightening as she looked at me like I just said something stupid.
"You think I stayed here all this time because I was scared?"
I blinked.
"That's not what I—"
"I chose to stay," she cut in. "There's a difference."
I went quiet…F***. I messed up.
She stepped closer, I stepped back. Then she stepped again, and I stepped again. Finally, she stopped when she was just a few steps away from me. Her expression wasn't soft, but it wasn't cold either.
"I'm coming with you."
I frowned slightly.
"What?"
She rolled her eyes. "Don't make me repeat it."
"You can't just—"
" Oh, yes, I can." She said it so simply it caught me off guard.
"The little ones need someone to watch over them," she continued, glancing at the twins.
"And you…" Her eyes moved back to me. "…you're not exactly reliable yet."
I let out a small breath.
"That's harsh."
[ Burnt crisp. ]
"It's true."
I ran a hand through my hair, trying to keep my composure.
"You'll be in danger," I said, a hint of frustration slipping into my voice.
"So will you," she replied casually.
"That's different."
"It's not."
Things got quiet between us. Then she spoke again, but softer this time.
"I'm not staying here forever."
I looked at her. Really looked this time.
"You just decided that now?"
She hesitated for a second, just a second, then looked away.
"Don't read too much into it."
Then she turned to me again, her eyes looking like a sharp knife threatening me.
"Besides… didn't you say you wanted to court me earlier?" she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Or was that just a joke?"
My body stiffened and felt sweat trickle down my back. " Of course I was serious. "
She held my gaze, one eyebrow slowly lifting, then her face slowly eased as she said.
" Okay."
And just like that she turned and walked away.
I stood there dumbfounded, trying to process what happened. I was suppose to convice her to stay but—
Did I really just survive that? I let out a quiet breath. It really felt like I had just escaped death, then my gaze followed her as she walked away, calm like nothing happened.
" My woman is really something. "
I couldn't help but feel a bit proud. That kind of personality… yeah, she's amazing.
[ Your woman? You're already counting the eggs before the goose could even lay. ]
I frowned slightly.
"Can you not ruin this moment for once?"
[ I am simply stating facts. ]
I clicked my tongue.
"Still my woman."
[ Delusion detected. ]
I rolled my eyes, and decided not to argue with Vex.
Instead, I turned and looked at the entire cavern. This place…The place that became my solace when I was a wreck and afraid. When I had nothing left. When I decided to give up on my life…They welcomed me. Gave me warmth without even asking for anything in return.
My gaze slowly moved towards the Queen Mother. I lowered my head. At that time, she could have driven me out the moment I stepped into her domain, but she didn't. Instead, she let me stay, protected me, fed me, and even helped me make a breakthough.
"Thank you." The words came out quietly, but I meant every bit of it.
I lifted my head again and looked around, looking at all of them. This family of clams… They didn't have to accept me, but still, they did, and somehow, I ended up belonging here.
I was still lost in my thoughts when I felt something tug at my clothes. I looked down andd saw the little ones.
"Brother."
My chest tightened a little at the sight of them. Their small faces and those big eyes looking up at me… I didn't even think before picking them up, pressing a soft kiss on each of their noses.
"…I'm really weak to cute things, Vex."
[You're already weak. Not just to cute things, Nyx.]
I froze. Not because I was annoyed, but because… I know, he's not wrong.
I looked at them again. They feel so small, fragile, and is depending on me. Yet, I am barely able to protect myself.
[Though you have Nysera. She can protect you. ]
That made me pause. Nysera. I glanced to the side where she stood. She looked calm and unbothered, like everything ahead didn't concern her at all.
"Yeah."
I said it, but it didn't feel convincing. I tightened my hold on the twins slightly. I know she's strong, but I want to get stronger too. I want to be able to do things on my own, without always needing someone to protect me
"Besides… I can't just hide behind a woman, Vex."
[ Of course not. I would be the first to criticize you if you did. ]
I let out a small breath.
"…Yeah."
I glanced at Nysera again. Still the same, arms crossed and looking away.
"She's strong now, but that doesn't mean I'll stay weak."
I walked towards her and asked one last time.
"Nysera… have you really decided to go outside with us?"
She looked at me like that wasn't even a question.
"I… can't protect you right now, you know," I said, a bit embarrassed.
She didn't hesitate when she said.
"Who said I needed your protection?"
I stared at her for a second.
Seeing her strong, steady gaze, I knew she had already decided, and there was no use in trying to convince her any further. I exhaled slowly.
"Then how are you planning to move around with me?"
A small smirk appeared on her lips.
"For someone who's weak, you're also slow."
I narrowed my eyes.
"What do you mean?"
Her body shimmered faintly. For a brief moment, her form flickered and she turned smaller, more compact and then back again.
"I can adjust my size and stay dormant for quite some time," she said casually. "Not perfectly. But long enough… until they turn five." she pointed at the twins.
My eyes shifted to the satchel.
"You're planning to stay there."
"Yes," she replied. "I'll only come out if the twins need rescuing. Other than that… I'll stay inside."
I stayed quiet for a moment, processing it. Then I sighed.
"Your mind can't be change right"
She didn't answer. She didn't need to. Behind me, the twins let out small, excited sounds. I glanced at them, then back at her.
"Fine."
A pause.
"But don't slow me down."
She scoffed.
"As if you're fast enough for that to matter."
I almost said something back. Then stopped and shook my head.
"Let's go then."
I looked toward the cave for the last time and bowed my head for a few seconds. Then I lifted it again, and I saw them, they were looking at me, smiling. And somehow, it felt like they were acknowledging it—that I was leaving, that I had grown, and that they were letting me go in peace.
I smiled back, then I straightened my posture, steady and firm. Without looking back again, I turned and took my first step outside the cave and towards the treacherousworld beyond.
"Are you sure he can be trusted with our children, my Queen?" The husband's voice was calm as he watched their backs slowly fade into the distance.
"I believe he will bring them to greater heights," the Queen said softly.
A small smile formed on her lips. "I saw it."
The husband glanced at her, then back at the path they had taken.